Evergreen Thornless blackberry, Elm-leaf Blackberry
Rubus ulmifolius

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 2.4 m high and spreads 3 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. The stems arch over. The leaves have 3-5 leaflets. They are downy underneath. The flowers are white or pale pink. The fruit are purple-red.

There are about 250 Rubus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In NW Pakistan it grows in fertile mountain valleys. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Europe, India, Italy, Mediterranean (country/location of origin), Mexico, Morocco, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Peru, Portugal, San Marino, Sicily, South America, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw or as jam. The leaves are used to make a liqueur and also tea. The young shoots are also eaten in salads.

The fruit are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Fruit, sprouts, leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Achddir, Akhi, Alish, Amora-preta, Amuredda, Baghanra, Bakarun, Bardissa, Carnero, Chermou, Divlja jagoda, Gharangavo, Goraj, Kanachi, Karwara, Kumpiena, Kupina, Kupjena, Manaferra, Mora, Mure che chalipo, Murra, Romeguera, Rosita, Rovo, Rubu, Ruve, Ruvtale, Scepe, Scepon, Tatchalt, Taynajelt, Zarcera, Zarza, Zarzal, Zarzamora, Zazie

Synonyms

Rubus discolor Weihe & Nees; Rubus fruticosus var. discolor L. and others